Pjotor - Posted - 03/20/2008:  11:23:51

After careful studies, I've narrowed down my alternatives to the following two:
Gold Tone CC-100
Deering Goodtime Special open-back

Both have a metal tone ring, open back, and all geared tuners. Those are my requirements. The Goodtime Special is a bit more expensive, but still well inside my budget.

Which one is it gonna be and why? Lay it on me. Please. All motivations are welcome.

banjo-ho - Posted - 03/20/2008:  11:26:35

I am a deering man, go with the goodtime. Great sound and great people too!


Goodtime Special
"when the going get tuff the tuff get pickin!

Texasbanjo - Posted - 03/20/2008:  11:28:22

Is there any way you can play each banjo that you're considering? That's the best way to decide which one you like the best. And, if you can't play a banjo yet, is there a friend who does play banjo and could play them for you so you can hear what they sound like?

Other than that, the decision is a personal one and one you should make -- no one can tell you what banjo is best for you. Both are good entry level banjos.

Let's Pick!
Texas Banjo

Pjotor - Posted - 03/20/2008:  11:33:42

I can try the Deering, but unfortunately the CC-100 is not available in Sweden. And no, my friends aren't sensible enough to know how to banjo. I must become The One Who Brings Light, Happiness, And Picking Unto Them.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/20/2008:  11:52:51

Basically both have plusses & minuses. If the Deering's thin neck is comfortable for you, go with that one. If you'd like a bit more heft in the neck, order the GoldTone. That's about it as I see it.

Bill

Bernie P. - Posted - 03/20/2008:  11:56:55

I have the basic Goodtime and love it.I was considering the CC100 but couldnt find one in my area so I cant say how they compare but I tried and liked all the versions of the Goodtime.I went with the least expensive simply because I knew if I liked playing the banjo eventually I'd get something really nice more in the pro level.When I do upgrade I'll be keeping the Goodtime.It really is a great banjo for the money.Good luck!

jamie_t123 - Posted - 03/20/2008:  12:07:19

Ditto......

Never get between a Woman and her Banjo!

erstokke - Posted - 03/20/2008:  12:25:29

Hejsann Pjotor and welcome to Banjo Hangout!

They are both great banjos, so you can't go wrong with either. The CC100 has dual coordinator rods and a real fretboard - that is why some people think they are better value. However, everytime I pick up a Goodtime, I find that it is such a happy little banjo that I can't resist smiling. People who own a Goodtime usually keep them forever or regret selling them.


My banjo is pre-war. Pre the next war
Jan Erik from Norway

Sir N - Posted - 03/20/2008:  12:35:27

Hi Pjotor!
The CC 100 is indeed available in Sweden, though maybe not very close to Uppsala. You could check out Sture Svarén in Lerum, he sells Stelling and Gold Tone.
I got my Gold Tone OB 250 there. Check out Sture http://www.svarenmusik.se/

uncledelphi - Posted - 03/20/2008:  12:37:15

Pjotor, I really don't think you can go wrong with either of those. Those are the two beginner banjos that I recommend to my students.

I think the GoldTone has a little better construction and looks more traditional, but I prefer the tone of the Goodtime.

One factor I always consider is where it's made. Personally, I refuse to buy imports, so if it were me I'd buy the Goodtime. But for you, they're both imports. Also, I am related to the president of GoldTone, so I do have some good feelings for that brand, import though it be.

Either banjo will take you a good ways, but you will probably eventually want to upgrade.

Proud member of the Banjo Mafia
www.banjomafia.com

banjo13 - Posted - 03/20/2008:  12:40:23

I had a goodtime and liked it quite a bit

Tyler Greene
"It is the tradition that a Kentuckian never runs. He does not have to…" Gibson v. Commonwealth, (Ky. 1931).